Inspired by the legacy of Sakia Gunn, a lesbian teen murdered in a hate crime in Newark, NJ in 2003, "To Build a Monument" meditates on grief, death, queerness, and ancestorhood.

In many Black traditional religious practices, ancestor reverence is common. Practicioners thank and remember those who came before them and seek their guidance and answers when lost. For Black Queer folks, remembering the dead is also key to sustaining a spiritual life that follows the steps of those who also faced homophobia and racism in their own lives.

This short film was made in honor of Sakia whose death opened a new chapter of Queer activism in the city of Newark. Three Black Queer individuals reflect on the connections to their ancestors through nature, art and community service, as well as ponder on the ways they are preparing for their ancestorhood. Ultimately the film meditates on what comes after the death of a loved one and how we choose to remember them.